Some 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket. Although oil may collect on the turbocharger, it is very rare for a turbocharger to leak oil. To isolate the source of the leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 General Information > Diagnosis and Testing > Engine > Engine Oil Leaks - Fluorescent Oil Additive Method procedure. When an oil leak is present at a turbocharger oil supply or drain tube, remove the affected oil tube and inspect for damage, and replace the O-ring seals, pedestal gasket or oil tube as required. Refer to WSM, Section 303-04. For c
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Ford Escape engine problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Ford Escape have filed 660 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 81,830 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
660
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Escape | 163 |
| 2011 Escape | 93 |
| 2012 Escape | 33 |
| 2013 Escape | 1,035 |
| 2014 Escape (this page) | 660 |
| 2015 Escape | 188 |
| 2016 Escape | 170 |
| 2017 Escape | 1,671 |
| 2018 Escape | 1,207 |
1crash
62fires
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 660 engine complaints filed for the 2014 Ford Escape, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 32% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 660 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some 2013-2016 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.6L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a lack of cooling caused by the A/C inlet line breaking at the compressor. This may be due to the oil cooler coolant lines exerting excess pressure on the A/C inlet line. When replacing the A/C inlet line, a support clip for the oil cooler coolant line should be installed to prevent contacting the A/C inlet line. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the A/C inlet line and adjust the gap between the A/C inlet line and the CAC hose.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SSM 47948 - 2010-2019 Various Vehicles - Turbocharged Engines - Oil Supply Filter Replacement When Replacing The Turbocharger Or The Turbocharger Oil Supply Tube For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts. When specified in the WSM, the turbocharger oil supply filter must be replaced whenever the turbocharger or the turbocharger oil supply tube are replaced. Turbocharger bearing failure may occur if oil starvation occurs due to a restricted filter.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2014-2015 Escape, 2015 C-Max and Focus vehicles equipped with integrated remote start may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0116 in the powertrain control module (PCM) immediately following a remote start event. Vehicles may also display a warning message stating Engine Coolant Over Temperature. This condition may occur when remote start is used and the vehicle is allowed to time out (engine shuts off). Reprogram the body control module (BCM) using the latest software version of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 12A648 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts. For all turbocharged engine applications, the turbocharger oil supply filter (6C683 gas engine/6L625 connector style or 6A968 diesel engine) must be replaced whenever the turbocharger or the turbocharger oil supply tube are replaced. Turbocharger bearing failure may occur if oil starvation occurs due to a restricted filter.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Ford Escape is plagued by coolant leaks and engine overheating issues that dealerships often cannot identify or fix. Owners describe persistent low coolant that requires constant topping off, despite mechanics finding no visible leaks even after pressure testing. This coolant loss leads to localized overheating that cracks the cylinder head; once cracked, coolant intrudes into spark plug wells, ignition coils, and combustion chambers, contaminating the oil and forcing complete engine replacement.
The most alarming pattern is that Ford's 2017 recall (17V209000/17S09) installed only a coolant level sensor—a warning device, not a fix—and many owners report their VINs were wrongly excluded from recall coverage despite having identical symptoms. Owners document repeated engine failures: one replaced three engines in 14.5 weeks; another had four catastrophic failures despite the recall being marked "completed" on the vehicle. Fires have occurred under the hood with minimal warning. Repair costs range from $7,800 to $18,000 for engine replacement, and dealers routinely refuse to cover repairs once coolant intrusion is confirmed, citing warranty expiration or exclusion from recall. Transmission failures and fuel system issues are also reported, sometimes secondary to engine coolant problems, sometimes standalone.
Same Ford Escape engine reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Coolant Leak / Low Coolant Level
Coolant continuously leaks from various components (bypass valves, hoses, heater core connections, radiator outlets) despite repairs. Owners report persistent low coolant requiring constant top-offs. Leak sources often cannot be identified by dealers even after pressure testing. Leaks progress to catastrophic engine damage when coolant enters combustion chambers.
When: Begins as early as 40,000–60,000 miles; recurs throughout vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Low coolant warning light illuminates repeatedly; Coolant level drops between services despite no visible pooling; Sweet smell of coolant vapor in cabin or from exhaust; Overheating warning message and high temperature gauge; Engine stall without warning or with minimal warning; White thick exhaust smoke, especially on cold starts
Codes mentioned: P0116 (Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit), P050A, P050B, P050E (Coolant Pump/Circuit issues), P1299 (Coolant Over Temperature)
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs include replacement of coolant bypass valve ($200–$500), coolant hose ($500–$1000), heater hose ($1000), coolant outlet flange, radiator outlet gasket, coolant reservoir, water pump, and thermostat. Multiple repeated repairs on same vehicle. Despite repairs, leaks recur.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), 17S09, 15V005000 (Fuel System). Ford initially issued a recall in 2017 that involved installing a coolant level sensor (enhancement, not root fix). Many owners report their VINs excluded from recall despite identical symptoms. Dealer diagnostics vary widely; some dealerships claim vehicles not under recall and demand customer pay for diagnosis.
Cylinder Head Crack / Coolant Intrusion into Engine
Localized overheating causes cylinder head to crack. Once cracked, coolant leaks into cylinders and combustion chamber. This leads to coolant contamination of spark plugs, ignition coils, oil, and cylinder walls. Engine typically requires complete replacement (long block or short block assembly) rather than head gasket repair alone.
When: Develops after persistent low coolant condition; often becomes critical between 52,000 and 110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine bucking, shaking, and vibration at idle and under load; Misfire codes in one or more cylinders (typically #2, #3, #4); White/sweet-smelling exhaust, especially noticeable in cold weather; Loss of power or limp mode activation; Check engine light with multiple codes firing; Severe overheating messages despite coolant topped off; Coolant visible in spark plug wells when removed
Codes mentioned: P0303 (Cylinder 3 Misfire), P0316 (Misfire Detected), P0087 (Fuel Rail System Pressure Too Low), P1299 (Coolant Over Temperature), Hydrocarbon readings above spec on emissions test
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required: long block assembly ($7,800–$11,000), short block replacement ($4,500–$7,800), or complete new engine ($8,000–$18,000). Multiple owners report needing three or four engine replacements on the same vehicle within 14 weeks to 2 years. Some vehicles totaled rather than repaired due to cost. Dealerships cite gasket, head, and block porosity issues confirmed by borescope inspection and machine shop analysis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17V209000 (2017); 17S09. Many owners' VINs not covered despite same symptoms. Ford service departments have stated they receive yearly allowances for engine issue repairs but have cut off assistance. Warranty does not cover the defect beyond initial powertrain period. Some dealers refuse to diagnose further once coolant intrusion is suspected, to avoid costly repairs.
Engine Fire Hazard
Coolant or oil leaks onto hot engine surfaces or ignition coils, causing fires under the hood during highway driving. Fires have spread beyond the vehicle (up to 8 acres in one case) and destroyed vehicles completely. Most fires occur with minimal to no warning.
When: Occurs during or shortly after driving; some triggered after highway acceleration or hill climbing; others while parked with engine running
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke billowing from under hood; Flames visible inside engine compartment (under hood, near ignition coils, firewall); Smell of burning/smoke minutes before fire; Engine failure or overheating message seconds before fire; Very little or no warning before flames appear
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed or totaled. Firefighting response required. Police and fire department reports filed. Vehicles cannot be repaired; only engine replacement available after fire damage, which is economically impractical.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17V209000 was issued after several fire reports, but many vehicles excluded by VIN. Manufacturer denies liability for fires on vehicles outside recall scope. One dealer acknowledged 'about the 20th vehicle' with this issue but stated they would not cover it. No proactive recall expansion despite documented fire risk.
Engine Stall Without Warning During Driving
Engine shuts down abruptly while vehicle is in motion, often at highway speeds or in traffic. Loss of power and sudden inability to steer/accelerate creates immediate collision hazard. Vehicle may or may not restart; most require towing.
When: Occurs unexpectedly during normal driving; some at 35–60 mph in traffic or on highways
Symptoms owners cite: Engine failure message on dashboard (often seconds before stall); No prior warning lights in many cases; Vehicle loses all power assist (steering, braking harder to engage); Vehicle enters limp mode or refuses to restart; Some vehicles stall multiple times in sequence after restart; Temperature gauge behavior inconsistent with stall
Codes mentioned: P0087 (Fuel Rail System Pressure Too Low – some cases), Multiple overheat/coolant codes
Repairs/costs cited: Often diagnosed as transmission failure initially, then found to be engine-related after further inspection. Repairs include fuel pump replacement ($500+), fuel pressure sensor replacement, transmission replacement, or full engine replacement. One owner spent $8,000 for transmission only to learn engine was the root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not specifically addressed in recalls. Owners report Ford stating vehicles not covered; some dealerships refuse to diagnose without diagnostic fee. One owner reported Ford customer relations could not explain reimbursement policy for previous stall-related repairs.
Transmission Failure / Torque Converter Clutch Damage
Transmission loses ability to shift or maintain gears, or displays 'transmission failed' code. Torque converter clutch shows internal contamination and pressure drops below spec when warm. May be triggered by engine coolant intrusion or separate mechanical defect. Often initially misdiagnosed as transmission-only issue before coolant intrusion discovered.
When: Reported at 50,000–75,000 miles; some after prior coolant or engine service
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not shift into gear or stays in neutral; Transmission 'failed' warning code; Vehicle rolls forward but no acceleration on command; Difficulty engaging park, stuck in drive/neutral; Rough idle and stalling after shifting; Loss of power on highway
Codes mentioned: P1744 (Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid performance), Code indicating pressure dropping out of spec when warm
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement ($2,700–$4,500) or full transmission rebuild/replacement ($4,000–$5,000). In some cases, transmission was replaced only to discover engine was also failing, requiring second major repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall issued. Warranty cutoff at 60,000 miles means owners must pay full cost. Some dealers acknowledge issue but classify as 'not covered under warranty due to age/mileage.'
Fuel System Pressure Low / Fuel Pump Failure
Vehicle fails to start after refueling. Engine cranks but does not catch. Fuel pressure drops to insufficient level. One owner linked failure to NHTSA Campaign 15V005000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), but vehicle VIN not included in recall.
When: Occurs immediately after filling fuel tank; reported around 90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start after fuel fill-up; Multiple restart attempts required; Check engine light with P0087 code (Fuel Rail System Pressure Too Low)
Codes mentioned: P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement performed; cost not specified by owner. After repair, issue was resolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15V005000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) was issued; however, owner's VIN was not included despite complaint about fuel pressure. Dealer and manufacturer stated vehicle not covered by recall.
Defective Heater / Slow Cabin Temperature Rise
Vehicle takes 18–22 minutes to reach safe interior temperature even with remote start running for extended periods. In winter, cabin dangerously cold for passengers, including infants. Dealership acknowledges issue but states 'no fix available.'
When: Persistent issue in winter driving; complaint filed during cold weather
Symptoms owners cite: Interior temperature remains dangerously cold after 15+ minutes of engine idling; Remote start does not address issue; No heat output from vents despite engine running; Service invoice states 'No Fix Available'
Repairs/costs cited: No repair available according to dealership. Owner unable to use vehicle for infant transportation during winter without extended warm-up time.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership service manager acknowledged he has same problem with his own Escape. Company offered no solution except extended warm-up time. When owner asked about replacement or trade-in, dealership demanded additional $4,000 down payment and higher monthly payments.
Unintended Vehicle Movement / Park Assist Malfunction
Vehicle shifts into reverse and backs up without driver input while parked and idling. Suspected park assist system engagement without activation. Vehicle travels ~30 feet backward, nearly hits parked vehicles and building.
When: Cold weather startup after extended idle in parking lot
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shifts from park to reverse without driver touching controls; Vehicle backs up while driver standing outside vehicle; Doors lock with vehicle in motion; Check engine light did not illuminate (per Ford); No explanation provided by dealership
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable/unwilling to diagnose. Owner requested investigation to determine root cause and whether others reported similar issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford states 'nothing wrong with vehicle.' Dealership unwilling to investigate. Owner sought NHTSA inquiry into whether others experienced same malfunction.
Oil Leak / Engine Oil Separator Housing Crack
Severe oil leak from T-valve, vacuum pumps, and transmission fluid connections. Local garage attributes to Ford Escape oil leak recall, but Ford dealership denies vehicle qualifies. Oil leaking onto ground poses fire hazard. Multiple owners report this as separate fire risk from coolant-related fires.
When: Reported on vehicle with unknown prior service history
Symptoms owners cite: Visible oil pooling underneath vehicle; Oil dripping on driveway and ground; Multiple leak sources (T-valve, vacuum pumps, transmission)
Repairs/costs cited: Local garage quoted $3,000 and stated vehicle should not be driven due to fire risk. Dealership quote also $3,000 with no guarantee issue would be fully resolved. Owner unable to drive vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford dealership claims no awareness of oil leak issue on 2014 Escape; states not part of any recall. Owner cites similar Ford Escape recalls (1.5L engine oil separator housing) issued for other years but states own vehicle not included despite same symptoms.
Engine Ticking / Blown Engine (Cylinder 4 Misfire Pattern)
Engine develops persistent ticking noise inside. Diagnosed as alternator issue initially, but is internal engine problem. Engine eventually fails catastrophically, requiring short block replacement. After short block repair, same problem recurs in cylinder 4, requiring second short block and head gasket replacement. Cycle repeats a third time within 14.5 weeks.
When: Ticking begins around 50,000 miles; first catastrophic failure by 60,000 miles; second by 62,000 miles; third by 62,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Internal engine ticking noise (not alternator); Rough idle; Engine shaking and vibration; RPM fluctuation (jumping from 2 to 5–6 then back down); Check engine light flashing; Hesitation and lack of acceleration; Smoking from engine compartment
Codes mentioned: Cylinder 4 misfire indicated by service centers (exact codes not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: First repair: short block replacement at Bronde's Ford (~$2,500–$3,500 estimated). Second repair: short block and head gasket replacement (~$3,000–$4,000). Third repair: engine smoking on expressway after 13 days of driving; another short block replacement initiated. Owner spent approximately $10,000+ in 14.5 weeks on three engine rebuilds.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall mentioned. Dealership (Bronde's Ford) performed repairs under warranty or paid service but did not address root cause. Owner continued to experience same failure pattern in cylinder 4. Vehicle declared 'junk' while still under payment obligation.
Synthesized from 660 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a code reader and retrieved a DTC code for an engine misfire in cylinder #3. The contact cleared the code; however, the check engine warning light returned. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, there was heavy white smoke coming…
When can I expect this recall #17s09 to be settled by Ford?
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle would intermittently fail to accelerate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. As the failure persisted, the contact checked the engine and discovered that there was no coolant in the engine. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where the mechanic…
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Ford escape. The stated the vehicle engine cooling system failed. The contact stated that a message was received on the instrument panel stating that the coolant system was low and service was required. The contact stated that coolant needed to be added every two weeks to the vehicle for the engine not to fail. The contact also stated that the coolant failure started…
The engine suddenly down dies while driving several times in the past few months.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Ford escape. On october 18, 2017, the vehicle was taken to a local dealer (sam scism Ford, 5019 flat river rd, farmington, mo 63640) where it was diagnosed that the sensors for the coolant levels needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. While driving 20 MPH, smoke appeared through the air vents and the vehicle caught fire. There were no injuries. The air bags…
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Ford escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17s09000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. San leandro Ford in san leandro, california was made aware of the recall and stated that the parts were…
Had engine trouble with your 2014 Ford Escape?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2014 Ford Escape?
It's a meaningful issue. 660 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 442 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 59,000 and 110,000 miles, with the median around 81,830. A quarter of owners report trouble before 59,000; a quarter make it past 110,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Ford/Escape.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.